Film stunt vehicles – the unheralded champions of cinematic excitement – are often called upon to risk life and limb in pursuit of thrilling on-screen moments, yet many barely survive their high-stakes careers. During filming at the location, a high-stakes car chase featured the Jaguar C-X75, with five stunt vehicles involved; remarkably, four of them emerged unscathed, while just one was adapted for public roads. Initially conceived by Jaguar’s Design team under Ian Callum’s leadership in 2010, the Jaguar C-X75 made its cinematic debut as part of James Bond’s motion sequences filmed within Vatican City. Now, one such automotive has undergone a comprehensive makeover for street use at Callum Cars, an innovative design and engineering firm founded by Ian Callum himself? The C-X75 is a legendary supercar, renowned for its breathtaking design, yet its production was never realized, leaving it to remain an enigmatic concept car in Jaguar’s portfolio.
One highly modified automobile has undergone a comprehensive transformation to render it street-legal, courtesy of the esteemed experts at Callum. The custom-built stunt vehicles were specifically designed and engineered by Williams Superior Engineering for use in the 2015 film production. These high-performance vehicles boasted a robust tubular spaceframe chassis, paired with rally-honed suspension and a potent 5.0-liter, supercharged V8 engine, a signature powerplant from Jaguar.
The buyer entrusted Callum with creating a street-worthy version. To qualify for everyday driving, the vehicle required several key modifications. Some modifications included E-marked glass, switchgear, a quieter exhaust system, and catalytic converters, along with corresponding engine calibration adjustments. Modifications were made to incorporate new wing mirrors featuring integrated fog light repeaters, replacing the original designs inspired by the stunt car’s distinctive foam patterns.
The vehicle featured a range of enhancements, including bespoke bodywork modifications and premium upgrades, which combined to create a stunning visual package. The sleek carbon fibre trim was elevated by meticulous attention to detail, resulting in a seamless fusion of form and function, while the refined panel gaps added an extra layer of sophistication. While few modifications were made to the powertrain and dynamics, the Callum team did adjust the dampers and trip height to suit street use. The exact cost of placing this sleek Jaguar supercar on the road remains unknown, but one thing is certain: the extensive modifications required would have come at a significant price.
The Spectre is widely regarded as one of the finest James Bond films, with its iconic chase sequence playing a pivotal role in its enduring success – a testament to the clever combination of thrilling stunts and an impressive array of high-octane vehicles. In a gripping 6-minute sequence, the cinematography shines as the sun dips below the horizon, casting a dramatic glow over the high-stakes chase scene. James Bond navigates the sleek Aston Martin DB10 through twists and turns, while his adversary, Hind, expertly pushes the Jaguar C-X75 to its limits. Stunt vehicles lead a precarious existence, with only a select few managing to survive the rigors of repeated, arduous use. The C-X75’s design is undeniably influenced by the sleek, curvaceous supercars of a bygone era, with Jaguar’s own XJ220 serving as a clear inspiration for this futuristic concept. While Jaguar’s realization of this concept as a production-ready vehicle is a welcome development, it’s indeed exciting news for enthusiasts.
